Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Northern Mariana Islands

The Tim Considine Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, offers two $1,250 scholarships for Torrington residents who are high school seniors or vocational technical students aiming for university admission. Preference is given to those involved in organized sports and faith-based activities, highlighting academic achievement and character through community service. This scholarship is non-need-based, ensuring accessibility for dedicated students.

What is a Community Foundation?

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Dan Pheil Scholarship Fund

Created in honor of Dan Pheil, this scholarship awards a deserving graduating high school senior residing in Washington County who plans to major in business.

The Allen and Rosalind Humes Humanitarian Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors from Berlin and Deep River, CT, and residents of Winchester, NH. Eligible candidates must be active members of a faith community and average students, ranked in the middle third of their class. This scholarship aims to foster future success in humanitarian disciplines such as social work, nursing, and teaching, encouraging a commitment to serving others.

The Ruth M. and Adolph J. Betterini Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating seniors from Berlin and New Britain High Schools. Eligible students must maintain at least a C+ average and intend to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering or a medical field. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need and good citizenship, ensuring that motivated individuals can further their education and contribute positively to their communities.

The New Britain-Berlin Rotary Club Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating seniors from local high schools, especially INTERACT Club members. This scholarship aims to promote educational attainment and community engagement, assisting students in pursuing further education or technical training that fosters personal growth and career success. By investing in youth leadership and service, it encourages a vibrant community and strengthens the region's educational landscape.

The MacDonald/Hjerpe Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating seniors from New Britain, Plainville, and Farmington High Schools. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of C+, exhibit financial need, and have clear educational goals. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in sciences, education, or human services and who will not receive substantial other scholarships. This award aims to help deserving students overcome financial barriers.

The Louis P. Gianoli Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating seniors from New Britain High School or E.C. Goodwin Technical High School. This award recognizes students who have demonstrated resilience, personal discipline, and the ability to overcome adversity. Candidates must be recommended by a teacher or guidance counselor to apply. The scholarship aims to empower students in their educational pursuits and personal development.

The Festa Italiana Reverend Father Augustine Henry Giusani Math & Science Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors and college students from select Connecticut towns who are majoring in math, science, or engineering. Preference is given to those of Italian descent and active members of their high school Italian Clubs. This scholarship aims to promote academic excellence while fostering cultural pride and supporting future leaders in technical fields.

The Festa Italiana Reverend Father Augustine Henry Giusani Humanitarian Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors and college students from specific Connecticut towns majoring in social sciences. Preference is given to students of Italian descent and those affiliated with Italian organizations. This scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and cultural heritage, fostering future leaders committed to societal improvement.

The Eleanor and Nathan Berry Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors from local towns who aim to pursue a full-time bachelor's degree at accredited institutions. Ideal candidates exhibit strong academic records and personal growth through meaningful activities. Preference is given to those aspiring to careers in medicine or finance, with a personal essay required for application. This initiative highlights the Foundation's commitment to education and community development.

The Christopher Maerz Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating seniors or past graduates from New Britain or Berlin high schools pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related medical field. Applicants must maintain a C+ average and demonstrate financial need, with a preference for first-generation college students committed to healthcare. This initiative aims to foster skilled, compassionate care in the community.

The Austrian-Hungarian Singing – Sick Benefit Society Donau, Inc. Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education, particularly in fields related to Austrian or German culture. Preference is given to students of Austrian, German, or Swiss-German descent or members of the Austrian-Hungarian Club. This initiative not only aids academic pursuits but also promotes cultural heritage preservation.

The Domestic Violence Prevention (DVP) grant from the IHS aims to enhance the capacity of Tribes and Urban Indian Organizations to combat domestic and sexual violence. This initiative promotes culturally appropriate, trauma-informed services, focusing on victim advocacy and collaboration across sectors. It addresses critical issues like human trafficking and child maltreatment, ensuring long-term sustainability through evidence-based practices and data sharing, ultimately improving community health and safety for AI/AN populations.

The Graton Fellowship, offered by the Sundance Institute, supports Indigenous artists from California-based tribes by providing a $25,000 grant and a year of comprehensive support. This includes access to mentorship, strategic creative services, and participation in the Sundance Film Festival. The initiative aims to empower artists to share their unique stories through film, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of California Indian tribes and fostering a greater understanding of their perspectives.

The Jack and Ruth Calder Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from specific local high schools who reside in particular towns. With an average award of $300, preference is given to students who are actively involved in their communities through volunteering or have received notable recognition. This scholarship is a valuable opportunity for those dedicated to making a difference.

The Frances H. Ducci Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public high schools within NCCF's 20-town service area. With awards ranging from $500 to $2,500, this scholarship aims to assist local students in pursuing their academic goals. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing community wellbeing through thoughtful grant-making and scholarship opportunities that address local needs.

The Donald F. and Norma K. Mougenot Scholarship, administered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public high schools within NCCF’s 20-town service area. With an average award of $2,000, preference is given to past graduates of St. Peter/St. Francis School. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing their academic goals, fostering community growth and educational advancement.

The Michael Todd Gavitt Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, honors Mike Gavitt's culinary passion and musical talent. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to support students in their educational pursuits. This scholarship is specifically for Eastern Connecticut residents in good academic standing who are pursuing studies in culinary arts, with secondary preference for those studying music. The approximate award is $500.

The Matthew Chew Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Matthew Chew, supports students pursuing degrees in the arts, particularly in painting, drawing, or music performance. With an award range of $500 to $1,000, the scholarship aims to assist those from East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, Montville, New London, Norwich, Stonington, and Waterford. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded significant scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals.

The Benny Summerlin Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, offers financial assistance to deserving students from Franklin County High School pursuing undergraduate degrees. Established to support capable individuals, this scholarship emphasizes academic potential and financial need. The foundation, active since 1988, administers various scholarships to uplift the educational aspirations of local youth. For more information on eligibility and application processes, interested students should contact the foundation directly.

The Malcolm F. and Harriet B. Brown Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides financial support ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 over four years to graduating high school seniors from Southeastern Connecticut. Established in 1983, this scholarship aims to encourage students to pursue their educational goals, contributing to over $11.9 million awarded since its inception.

The John Coleman Prince, American Legion Post 9 Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports graduating high school seniors from New London. This $1,000 award honors veteran Anthony John "Tony" Basilica and encourages civic engagement through postsecondary education. Eligible students must demonstrate interest in community activities like NJROTC or scouting, paving the way for a brighter future through higher education.

The Joan & Bob Rutman Scholarship, established in 2001 by longtime New London residents, aims to support graduating high school seniors from various Connecticut towns in pursuing four-year degrees. With an approximate award of $4,000, this scholarship reflects the Rutmans' commitment to giving back to their community. Financial need is taken into consideration, ensuring that deserving students receive the assistance they need to further their education and build successful careers.

The Scripps Howard Fund, a public charity established by The E.W. Scripps Company is dedicated to creating informed and engaged communities through journalism education, childhood literacy and local causes. At the crossroads of the classroom and the newsroom, the Fund is a leader in supporting journalism through scholarships, internships, minority recruitment and development and First Amendment causes. The Scripps Howard Awards stand as one of the industry’s top honors for outstanding journalism.

Students with internship experiences are more likely to find employment upon graduation than those without, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. During the past decade, more than 500 students have honed their skills in newsrooms across the country, thanks to Scripps Howard internships. The Scripps Howard Fund created the internship program in 2023, in partnership with the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), aimed at giving students an equal opportunity for high-quality, hands-on experience. INN leads a network of more than 500 independent newsrooms across North America. 

The Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts Grant Program, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation and Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, aims to enhance transfer opportunities between community colleges and private four-year liberal arts institutions. With grants up to $350,000, this initiative supports partnerships that promote timely degree completion for underrepresented students, fostering diversity and enriching academic environments. The program addresses transfer challenges, ensuring alignment in curricula and maximizing credit transferability to facilitate successful transitions to higher education.

The Harold Dean Wade Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors a dedicated Christian educator who believed in the transformative power of education. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Texas and Oklahoma who plan to attend Christian colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must rank in the top 15% of their class, ensuring that deserving students continue to pursue their academic dreams while upholding Harold's legacy of service and education.

The Gilbert Cook Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors Gilbert Cook, a devoted community leader and philanthropist. This scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from local high schools planning to attend accredited colleges or universities. Through this initiative, the foundation continues its mission of fostering educational opportunities and empowering students to achieve their dreams, thereby contributing to a thriving Abilene community.